Maddy summaryHB 1690 requires Washington's Department of Ecology and Department of Health to jointly conduct a comprehensive assessment of the state's water and sewer systems by June 2027. The assessment will identify critical infrastructure gaps, analyze upgrade costs, and evaluate funding options to address issues like aging systems, septic maintenance challenges, and water quality concerns affecting public health. It directly impacts local governments, water utilities, and residents in communities facing infrastructure limitations, particularly in urban growth areas and small towns. The bill mandates gathering data from cities, counties, health boards, and utilities to inform recommendations for protecting environmental resources and supporting economic development. This assessment aims to provide a data-driven foundation for future investments in water and sewer infrastructure.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1333 requires detention facilities and private detention facilities to annually report to the Department of Health the number of people experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth, or perinatal loss while incarcerated. The Department of Health must then compile these reports into an annual statewide summary for the legislature, with the first report due by December 2026. The summary will include only aggregate data without personal identifying information about individuals. The bill repeals an unrelated law about concealing birth (RCW 9.02.050) but focuses solely on tracking pregnancy loss data in correctional settings.
Maddy summaryThis bill would allow parents to be paid for providing specialized care to their minor children (under 18) with developmental disabilities. It requires the state to seek federal approval to pay parents for "extraordinary care" - defined as care beyond typical parenting duties needed to prevent institutionalization. If approved, parents would qualify for payment under specific rules, including meeting training requirements like other caregivers. The bill applies only to children in certain high-need assessment categories and does not affect existing services for adults or non-disabled individuals.
Maddy summaryHB 1805 proposes a local 0.01% sales and use tax in Washington counties to fund additional services for children and families. The tax would generate revenue specifically for mental health support, early intervention programs, child care, school-based health services, shelter, rental assistance, and transportation. Counties could implement this tax via resolution or ordinance, with funds restricted to the listed services that address gaps in current Medicaid and behavioral health programs. The bill aims to support children and families early to improve well-being and reduce long-term needs like youth violence and substance use.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Washington healthcare providers to inform patients about available pain control options before scheduling or during appointments for intrauterine device (IUD) placement or removal. It directly affects patients seeking IUDs - particularly those who have never given birth, who often experience more pain - and healthcare providers who perform these procedures. The key provision mandates that providers notify patients about pain management choices (beyond just over-the-counter medications) at the time of scheduling, aligning with updated CDC guidelines. The bill does not change medical practices but ensures patients receive clear information about pain control options before the procedure. It is pending review in the Health Care & Wellness committee.
Maddy summaryHB 1777 streamlines the state approval process for apprenticeship programs that already have federal approval, directly affecting program sponsors (including tribal and nontribal organizations) and employers seeking to expand training opportunities. It requires the apprenticeship council to expedite reviews of federally-approved programs by limiting state-specific scrutiny to unique requirements, while reforming competitor objections: objections must be filed within 30 days of provisional approval, and frivolous objections can trigger penalties like attorney fee payments or $10,000 fines. The bill also mandates annual reports comparing Washington’s program approval rates to federal standards and other states, including details on pending applications and denial reasons. These changes aim to reduce current delays - where 4 of 17 2024 applications remained pending after federal approval - without altering apprenticeship content or creating new training slots.
Maddy summaryHB 1103 expands Washington state protections against unwanted phone calls and text messages by requiring businesses to identify themselves within 30 seconds, stop calls immediately when requested, and remove contact information from their lists for at least one year upon opt-out. It prohibits calls before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m., enforces compliance with the federal Do Not Call Registry, and bans calls violating federal law. The bill directly affects cellular users (who gain stronger opt-out rights) and businesses making telephone solicitations (who face $1,000 fines per violation for noncompliance). Key mechanisms include mandatory call termination within 10 seconds of a request to stop, prohibition on selling contact data, and requirements for telecom companies to notify residential customers about these rules.
Maddy summaryHB 1838 expands Washington's college grant program to cover students enrolled in certificate programs for high-demand fields, directly affecting Washington residents pursuing these shorter-term credentials. The bill amends eligibility rules to include certificate programs (determined by the state office) alongside traditional college degrees and apprenticeships, while maintaining existing financial need requirements. Key provisions require students to demonstrate financial need, be state residents, and enroll in approved high-demand fields to qualify for the grant. This change aims to increase access to workforce training for in-demand occupations without altering the grant's core funding structure or application process.
Maddy summaryHB 1199 strengthens consumer protections by increasing penalties for insurance companies that violate Washington's insurance code. It amends statutes to allow the Insurance Commissioner to impose fines of $250-$10,000 per violation (up from $250), require insurers to pay restitution with 8% interest within 30 days, and issue cease-and-desist orders. The bill directly affects insurers found liable for code violations, mandating financial accountability for harms caused to policyholders. Key provisions include streamlined restitution orders for funds owed to consumers and automatic certificate revocation for unpaid fines.
Maddy summaryHB 1044 increases the real estate excise tax fee from $5.00 to $20.00 per transaction for all real estate sales in Washington. This fee directly affects buyers and sellers in real estate transactions, with the revenue funding administrative assistance for county assessors and treasurers. The bill creates new funds to support county offices in managing property tax administration and electronic processing systems, requiring counties to use these funds exclusively for technology upgrades compatible with state systems. It also modifies collection procedures, mandating monthly reporting of transaction proceeds to the state treasurer.